The Secrets Behind Elephants Riding

Elephants are fascinating animals who are exceptionally smart. Tourists from all over the world love getting to experience riding these majestic creatures but, how would they feel if they knew what happens before they experience the ride? From the day these mammals are born, they are taken from their distraught mothers, they are then caged and abused so humans can ride on their backs. In Thailand, elephant trainers use a procedure called “Phajaan”. From the article “Elephant Abuse is the Dark Secret Behind Elephant Rides for Tourists in Southeast Asia” by Nathalie Basha, she expounded that the purpose of the crush is to “break the independent spirit of an elephant so they obey human commands.” During this process, these unfortunate animals are being terrorized. At a very young age, the elephants are placed into cages too small for them to move and lay down. Over the next several days, they are deprived of food and water. Often times they are drugged to keep walking and working. Also, these elephants are tied up while trainers repeatedly hit them with bullhooks in order to comply with command. They are abused constantly until the trainers believe the elephants are adequately ready to take orders.

Many people that experience elephant rides are not aware of what the elephant has been through for them. So if you're ever thinking about riding these elephants, I'd recommend remembering how these poor animals felt. I stand with those who are realizing these situations and are preventing further abuse. For example, a woman named Lek Chailert rescues elephants from the tourism industry and develops a special bond with them. She’s also spreading awareness to tourists that don't know of what's happening. Elephants should not be used as entertainment, they belong with their families. Too often we categorize and rationalize actions and choices that others make because we don't want our mind to afflict with guilt, so we choose to avoid what is going on and remain ignorant.